Inmarsat satellite phone services restored for TN’s fishermen stranded at sea: FM Sitharaman
New Delhi – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that Inmarsat satellite phone services are back up for more than 30 fishermen who were stranded off the coast of Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district. The service, which had failed during a period of rough seas, was restored after help from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
The fishermen had been isolated at sea when the Inmarsat link, a critical tool for deep‑sea crews, broke down. The problem was flagged early by the BJP’s Fishermen Cell and raised by local church leaders. Thanks to coordinated action by BSNL and the DoT, the private operator was able to re‑establish connectivity for many boats, allowing crews to call home and coordinate their return.
Finance Minister Sitharaman posted on X that she had spoken to Father Thomas of St. Mary’s Church in Vallavilai, who had urged the government to act quickly. She added that the government remains “deeply committed” to the safety and welfare of fishermen, pledging continued support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
While the repair effort moved quickly, the monsoon system has intensified, keeping the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on alert. The IMD reports a persistent low‑pressure trough over southern Kerala, the Co‑Orin Sea and nearby Arabian Sea. A deep depression also lingers over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep.
The IMD has warned fishermen in the region not to set out in the southeast and east‑central Arabian Sea, or along the Indian coast from Karnataka through Kerala to South Tamil Nadu, until October 21. A second advisory covers the southwest and west‑central Arabian Sea for October 22 and 23. Strong winds of 35–55 km/h are expected across the south and central Bay of Bengal and nearby waters until October 23, prompting officials to advise crews to return to shore.
The quick restoration of satellite phones, combined with clear weather warnings, should help prevent further incidents and bring fishermen safely home.
Source: ianslive
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